Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Calling a Spade a Spade

Recently, at Bloomingdale's, I came across a relatively new brand of denim, called "Rich and Skinny" jeans. That's right, that's the brand name. Ever heard of them? Well, maybe not under this exact name, but, truth is, you've been hearing about these jeans for years. So many clothing lines these days cater to the "Rich and Skinny" crowd--this happens to be the only one that takes responsibility.

Rich and Skinny jeans are typically offered in waist sizes 24-31, and the price tag (roughly $200 a pop) suggests that in order to wear them, as their name suggests, you better be both.

My best friend has at least 20 pairs of these. OK, they aren't branded Rich and Skinny, but they are the same thing. And she is far from rich, probably largely due to the expensive jeans. I guess I should be thankful that I'm not skinny. It's helping me become rich!

They do look a little small on the model. You can buy cheap jeans in smaller sizes too. Seems like another product to stroke the egos of people with body image issues, and dumb enough to purchase such a ridiculous item.

To me, those jeans actually look too tight for the model. What's the point of even buying "rich and skinny" jeans if you look like a sausage?

Here's an idea: buy "actually fits me" jeans, price optional.

Great way to put it! I don't care to look like a sausage, no matter the size of my thighs. Besides, I can't imagine these jeans would be very comfortable. Or good for your circulation. Later on, these women will have to undergo all sorts of expensive procedures to get rid of their varicosities.

My first thought was, like palmtreechick, "Those are some ugly jeans!" Did anyone see the "Mom jeans" sketch on Saturday Night Live a couple of years ago? 'Cause that's what they remind me of.

I was in the Gap a couple of weeks ago, and was so depressed because the quality has gone WAAAAY down! I have a pair I bought about 5 years ago, and I found the same ones the other week, but they were so thin and flimsy, I didn't think they would hold up in the washing machine! And they were $65!!!!!!

There's been so much chatter recently over Old Navy's decision to relegate its plus-size clothing line to online only. Many are crying sizeism, but I think it's exactly this stereotype - that wealthier customers are skinnier customers - that fueled Old Navy's decision, not prejudice against fat people.

Old Navy's sales have fallen 16 percent, so they're trying to appeal to a wealthier demographic. Unfortunately, they're under the mistaken notion that rich people are skinny people, and decided to ditch the fat clothes to improve its image.

The Fix

About Me

I'm here to write
a book about
eating disorders.
My contention
is that nearly every
woman has some form of disordered relationship with food or her body--
not necessarily
anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, but a
fixation on food/
weight/shape that
is unhealthy,
unwanted, and
undying.
This is a forum in
which I present
some of my ideas
(from the media/
personal stories/
experiences) that,
with a touch of
editing, will
magically gel into
said book.
I'm most curious
about your reactions
and personal
experiences.
Oh, and for what
it's worth, I'm a
clinical psychologist.
Please heed this disclaimer, though, and do not substitute material on this site for actual consultation with a mental health professional. The
information in this
blog is not meant as a specific treatment recommendation or
personal communication with any individual.